Mookie Betts regrets his decision to participate in Home Run Derby: "The worst idea I’ve had in a long time"

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts recently opened up about his decision to participate in the 2023 Home Run Derby. Betts admitted it was one of the first decisions he's ever taken in his career.

The MLB Home Run Derby showcased some of the best power hitters in the League. Betts was one of eight players to face off against one other in the knockout tournament.

Betts finished last in the Annual Slug Fest with only 11 home runs registered in the first round. His low score came as a surprise to fans who are used to seeing him slug homers at will.

Mookie Betts shared with the Massachusetts Sports

“The Home Run Derby was probably the worst idea I’ve had in a long time," Betts said in an interview with Massachusetts Sports. "I’m just not built that way. I know how to hit line drives, and occasionally they go over the fence. I’m just not built that way. It’s for the big boys, for sure.”

Betts, however, mentioned that despite his poor showing this year, he would be willing to participate in the event in the future.

Mookie Betts looking to surpass his career-high home run tally

Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a double during the first inning of the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on July 23, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

Mookie Betts has registered 26 homers so far this MLB season. In his previous two games in the Freeway Series against the Los Angeles Angels, he hit back-to-back leadoff homers to reach 10 leadoff home runs this season.

Last season, Betts notched up a career-high tally of home runs, but he is on course to surpass that this season.